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Rustic Country Bread

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A simple and heartfelt recipe for homemade rustic country bread with a crunchy crust and airy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups Bread Flour
  • 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) Yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Salt
  • 1 ½ cups lukewarm Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, combine your yeast with lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
  2. Combine flour and salt: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt.
  3. Mix wet and dry: Pour the proofed yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough starts to form.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Let it rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a floured surface, and shape it into a round loaf.
  7. Second rise: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or proofing basket, cover again, and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  8. Score the bread: Make a few shallow slashes across the top of the loaf just before baking.
  9. Bake to perfection: Place the dough in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  10. Cool before slicing: Let your bread cool for at least 20 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For a crispier crust, use a baking stone. Add a pan of hot water in the oven for steam.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread, homemade, rustic, baking, country bread

Find it online: https://sprinklespoon.com/beginner-friendly-rustic-country-bread-weeknight-loaf/